When a historic Derbyshire almshouse charity needed a faster, safer way to modernise its bathrooms, Kinedo’s Kinemagic walk-in shower cubicle from Saniflo provided the perfect solution.
The Etwall Almshouses, founded in the 1500s by Sir John Port, are managed by a charitable trust that provides homes for residents aged over 50. To minimise disruption during refurbishments, the trustees wanted a shower solution that could be installed quickly and safely, with grab rails and a seat included as standard, but they wanted one that was also aesthetically pleasing.
Working with local plumbers’ merchant Willbond and installer Etta Plumbing, the trust selected the Kinemagic Serenity. Thanks to its striking design, integrated tray, glass panels and door system, Kinemagic delivers a watertight, low-maintenance showering solution with no need for tiles, grout or silicone, making it ideal for rapid installations with minimal mess.
The first installation was completed in just one day with support from Saniflo’s technical team. A second, smaller model followed soon after.
Trustee Graham Wale said: “Our tenants love the Kinemagic units and they save us valuable time during refurbishments – it’s a win-win.”
KEUCO’s PLAN CARE collection is designed to meet the evolving needs of multigenerational households. Combining safety, comfort, and modern aesthetics, the range offers accessible bathroom solutions that don’t compromise on style.
Designed to meet the diverse needs of all ages and abilities, PLAN CARE features ergonomically crafted grab bars, handrails, and accessories – all tested to support up to 115 kg. These include folding shower seats and an ergonomic bathroom stool, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
With finishes in glossy chrome and matte aluminium, PLAN CARE is built to stand the test of time, creating accessible, stylish spaces for users of all ages and abilities. A versatile solution for both new builds and renovations, this collection supports inclusive living without compromising design.
PLAN CARE stands out for the thoughtful and intelligent design features that aid usability across generations:
Corner rail systems double as shower bars, grab rails, and mounts for folding seats.
Angled grab bars feature detachable soap holders that are convenient and easy to clean.
Accessories such as the toilet brush set are ergonomically designed, with extended handles for improved accessibility.
These well-thought-out, considered details reflect KEUCO’s commitment to intuitive, design-led solutions that support inclusive living – making PLAN CARE an ideal choice for any space or environment that needs to embrace multigenerational needs.
Features by Diane Larner, founder and editor of Bathroom Review & Kitchens Review. Diane Larner launched both titles over 15 years ago and has been writing about the bathroom and kitchen interior design industries ever since, publishing regular features across both sectors.
Accessible bathroom design represents a growing trend as architects strive to create spaces that are barrier-free, visually compelling, and future-ready.In addition, manufacturers are promoting design-led aesthetics that ensure the sector is no longer limited to bland institutional looks, but deliver stunning, adaptable designs that create a compelling focal point.
Advancements in technology also mean today’s inclusive bathrooms offer architects an opportunity to merge inclusivity with innovation, addressing the needs of an ageing population alongside everyday bathroom design.
In this feature, Diane Larner examines the latest products to reach the market – from touchless taps to slip-resistant surfaces.
The Magic Touch
Fitzroy of London Gosfield Collection
According to the World Health Organization, over 1.3 billion people globally experience significant disability.* This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. Rule 101 of accessible bathroom design is to specify products that are safe and easy to use. With this in mind, touchless taps with thermostatic controls are a desirable solution for preventing accidents and limiting the spread of disease. For hoteliers, housebuilders and the healthcare sectors, these fittings not only enhance hygiene and accessibility standards but also improve the user experience. Additionally, integrated sensors add an extra layer of safety, helping washrooms meet water-saving and compliance demands while delivering a clean, modern look.
Fitzroy of London’s head of product, Mark Shepherd, agrees, “There are a variety of innovations that we are seeing when it comes to the luxury bathroom environment. Thermostatic precision, enabled by modern valve technology, ensures the consistent delivery of water temperature, helping to prevent scalding or cold-water shock when there is a significant change in the incoming water pressure.
“There has also been a significant increase in the demand for touchless activation, whether it’s using infrared sensors on toilet cisterns or taps, or through voice activation and smart home application integration.”
The Gosfield Collection by Fitzroy of London features advanced infrared sensor taps, along with precise control over water flow and temperature, ensuring comfort and safety in both residential and commercial settings. All products are WRAS-approved and Regulation 4 certified, meeting stringent requirements for water efficiency and compliance.
The collection includes beautifully crafted deck and wall-mounted taps, contemporary handheld and overhead shower solutions, shower arms, and precise shower mixers.
Staying Grounded
Kaldewei Invisible Grip
Incorporating a practical anti-slip shower floor into projects is a simple, forward-thinking solution that delivers safety and aesthetics without compromising looks. Anti-slip solutions are an ideal strategy when providing long-term support for clients as they improve durability, reduce liability risks, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive environment in hospitality and healthcare. It is all about fostering a sense of comfort and safety.
Adam Teal – country manager Kaldewei UK, explains, “When creating and crafting products that enable accessibility within the bathroom space, the design must also consider the dignity and autonomy of the end user. By doing this you can transform a daily ritual into an assertion of care, as well as making a positive design statement about inclusivity. In addition, this should not be about compliance; it’s about crafting spaces where everyone feels supported and empowered to move freely and safely.”
Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip is certified to quality class C for wet barefoot areas (DIN EN 16165), making it particularly suitable for barrier-free bathroom planning. It’s a solution that speaks to both the practical and emotional needs of users, ensuring that safety doesn’t feel clinical and that design remains aspirational.
According to Kaldewei, when designing with both safety and style in mind, Kaldewei’s Invisible Grip is a quiet revolution. It proves that accessible living can be beautiful, and that the future of bathroom design lies in seamless integration, not compromise.
Space & Time
Ideal Standard Concept Freedom Range
Accessible design is no longer simply a box-ticking exercise in hospitality and healthcare; considered choices such as barrier-free flooring and wheelchair-friendly sanitaryware help to deliver a seamless spatial experience. Incorporating ample room for manoeuvre at the planning stage ensures users benefit from generous clearance around sinks, WCs, and the shower room. When architects and designers prioritise space as a core design element, the result is a bathroom that supports independence, as well as the needs of caregivers.
Ideal Standard’s Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch,agrees: “Accessible and inclusive bathrooms no longer mean compromising on style. Thoughtful layouts, wall-mounted basins, walk-in showers, and lever taps ensure safety, comfort, and ease of use for everyone.”
Ideal Standard’s Concept Freedom range, in collaboration with the renowned Studio Levien, features clever design elements that make it easier for those with mobility impairments to use. Wall-hung, back-to-wall, and close-coupled WCs include a design that is 25 per cent higher than average. This reduces pressure on users’ knees and helps to improve the user experience for those with mobility issues. The collection also features shower seats and chrome grab rails, giving a contemporary finish which enhances the overall design.
Love Language
KEUCO AXESS Collection
Specifying products that are both beautifully designed and functional ensures the bathroom space fosters trust and emotional well-being, as well as a sense of comfort. High aesthetics, coupled with a welcoming design that celebrates diversity, help attract a broader customer base and increase profitability for hoteliers.
James Sketch – KEUCO UK country manager, comments: “Accessibility in the bathroom is not a trend, it’s a design imperative. When creating the bathroom, every element and fixture must be created to anticipate diversity. Although essential for practical purposes the products should be crafted with elegance and precision. True inclusivity means intuitive use without compromise: adaptive heights, tactile clarity.”
Developed in collaboration with the legendary Studio F. A. Porsche, the KEUCO AXESS collection brings a new aesthetic language to inclusive bathroom design. From the folding support rail and modular shower system to discreet grab rails and a freestanding stool, every element is pared back to its essentials, streamlined, sculptural, and purposefully unobtrusive. The result is a suite of products that integrate seamlessly into high-end hospitality, healthcare, and residential environments, without ever compromising on style.
Showered with Love
GROHE Sensia Pro
Shower toilets are the icing on the cake when it comes to inclusive planning. The latest ranges combine cleansing and drying functions, adjustable nozzles, and night lights, elevating hygeine standards whilst promoting greater user independence and a sense of wellbeing.
Lewis Neathey, leader, marketing & product management UK at GROHE UK, LIXIL Europe, agrees: “In both healthcare and hotel settings, shower toilets deliver exceptional benefits by combining hygiene, comfort, sustainability, and a luxurious experience. Cleansing with water is an age-old tradition that is still favoured in many parts of the world; however, shower toilets bring this natural form of cleaning into the 21st century with features promoting improved personal hygiene, accessibility, app connectivity, and personalisation.”
GROHE has expanded its shower toilet offering with the new entry-level product, GROHE Sensia Pro. Designed to meet consumers’ hygiene needs in one streamlined solution, shower toilets combine the benefits of a regular toilet with those of a bidet.
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In a sector where functionality often overshadows form, KEUCO AXESS redefines what it means to create accessible bathrooms—proving that barrier-free design can be both beautiful and intelligent.
Developed in collaboration with the legendary Studio F. A. Porsche, the AXESS collection brings a new aesthetic language to inclusive bathroom design. From the folding support rail and modular shower system to discreet grab rails and a freestanding stool, every element is pared back to its essentials—streamlined, sculptural, and purposefully unobtrusive. The result is a suite of products that integrate seamlessly into high-end hospitality, healthcare, and residential environments, without ever compromising on style.
Design Without Compromise
AXESS is more than a product range—it’s a cross-generational concept. Crafted from premium materials and available in chrome, matt black, or aluminium-chrome finishes, the collection is engineered to support autonomy and comfort for users of all ages and abilities. Whether in a luxury hotel suite, a spa retreat, or a private residence, AXESS enhances quality of life through thoughtful design.
The folding support rail, for example, is a far cry from institutional predecessors. When not in use, it lies flat against the wall in a sleek, minimalist gesture. When lowered, it offers elegant support with a refined silhouette. Optional accessories, such as a retrofittable toilet paper holder with colour-matched roller stoppers, enable additional customisation whilst maintaining the overall visual appeal.
Function That Elevates
Each component in the AXESS series is designed to enhance safety and independence—at the washbasin, WC, shower, and bath. Wall fixings are discreet yet robust, ensuring stability without visual clutter. The shower rail system is fully adaptable, allowing planners and architects to tailor configurations to specific spatial and user needs.
This is barrier-free design reimagined: not as a concession, but as an elevated experience. AXESS turns the accessible bathroom into a space of dignity, comfort, and timeless appeal—making it a compelling choice for forward-thinking developers, specifiers, and private clients alike.
As demand grows for inclusive environments that don’t sacrifice aesthetics, KEUCO AXESS stands out as a benchmark in universal design. It’s not just about meeting standards—it’s about setting them.
Kudos has launched its first collection of Pentangle shower enclosures, expanding its popular Pinnacle8 collection. Designed as a stylish alternative to quadrant enclosures, this accessible range is available in a choice of chrome, matte black, or brushed brass profiles.
This new hinged enclosure range features 8mm toughened safety glass panels, and models are available in 900 x 900mm, 1200 x 900mm, and 1400 x 900mm sizes, all 2000mm in height.
Models come with concealed fixings throughout and feature stylish and robust die-cast rise-and-fall hinges to ensure the doors close easily every time. To aid with installation, the slimline profiles offer 20mm of adjustment, and the glass-to-glass seals are crystal clear, providing a beautifully clean finish.
Made in the UK, these enclosures have Lifeshield glass protection to ease cleaning and come with a lifetime guarantee. This new enclosure collection currently works well when installed on a wetroom floor, but a new Pentangle shower tray will soon be available to suit.
Kudos Shower Products has been designing and manufacturing shower products at its Cumbria facility since 1999. Now part of the Ronal Bathroom Group, its portfolio includes shower enclosures, shower trays, over-bath screens, and wet-room solutions sold via KBB showrooms and merchants across the UK.
Wisely planned, today’s comfortable bathroom can become tomorrow’s age-appropriate or even accessible bathroom. Comfort, flexibility, and safety can coexist with sophisticated design and a welcoming atmosphere.
Therefore, it makes sense to think of the future during any bathroom renovation. There are an increasing number of people who wish to continue living autonomously in their homes as they grow older, or if they become disabled. Surveys suggest that the bathroom may be the most essential room in the house in terms of features suitable for older or disabled individuals.
Between necessity and free expression: accessible bathroom features
Guidelines on how to design an accessible bathroom exist in many countries. For example, in Germany, a bathroom in a public building must be DIN 18040 compliant to attract funding and be deemed accessible. The main requirement is sufficient space to move freely or manoeuvre a walking frame or wheelchair. It is also essential to remove or lower the heights of thresholds and access points.
Showers such as the Sustano and Tempano ranges from Duravit that are flush with the floor are crucial, and an accessible bathroom should be wheelchair-accessible beneath the washbasins, as is the case for models Duravit D-Code Vital, DuraStyle Vital, or Starck 3 Vital. And into the mix, contactless faucets such as Sensor 1 from Duravit, which make everyday life easier. Toilets with a raised sitting position and a projection of 700 mm enhance the quality of life for people with limited mobility.
Other essential elements for an accessible bathroom include grab bars and support rails, as well as non-slip floor covering. Doors should be wide enough and open outward, especially for wheelchair users. Bright lighting makes it easier to navigate.
Comfort that grows with you – multi-generational planning
However, relying solely on standards to manage this complex topic is insufficient. An assessment and future-oriented planning based on an individual’s needs is valid here, as a multi-generational bathroom with accessible elements can then be adapted to the users’ needs in later phases of life. It is designed to be welcoming and aesthetically appealing – a feel-good space that seamlessly integrates accessibility. As a comprehensive bathroom manufacturer, Duravit offers a range of design products that encompass both inclusive and attractive bathroom designs.
Universal design: when beauty knows no bounds
The principle of “universal design is geared toward the same approach: rooms should be designed to be accessible for everyone while still being aesthetically appealing, for greater inclusion and quality of life. Duravit offers a comprehensive product range that intelligently combines function, form, and emotional impact, supporting planners, architects, and private developers. After all, a beautiful bathroom knows no barriers.
*According to a representative study conducted by the German Sanitary
Industry Association (Vereinigung Deutsche Sanitärwirtschaft, VDS) in conjunction with the Forsa Institute, 95 per cent of respondents consider age-appropriate bathroom design to be important or very important in enabling autonomous living for older people. The fact that 66 per cent consider such features to be “very important”, with even 60 per cent of 18 to 29-year-olds agreeing with this opinion, deserves special mention.
(Source: Trends, Talks and new products – Accessible bathroom Campaign)
Kaldewei is launching the next chapter in its Puro bathtub series: the Puro Next. This refreshed model showcases a streamlined, contemporary design that blends elegance with practicality. Engineered for comfort and manufactured with durable, easy-to-clean materials, the Puro Next brings a sense of accessible luxury to a broad audience – from young couples and growing families to discerning mature homeowners.
The revamped Puro – the Puro Next series offers three options to cater for various needs: The Kaldewei Puro Next single-seater bathtub provides comfort for individual bathers thanks to a generous lying surface, the Kaldewei Puro Next Duo has ergonomic backrests at both ends enabling bathing for two should you so wish, and the Kaldewei Puro Next Combi combines relaxed bathing and refreshing showering in one product with a secure standing surface.
Available in six sizes, ranging from 160 x 70 cm to 190 x 90 cm, the series offers a wide range of bathroom solutions for various floor plans, enabling flexible and creative bathroom planning.
There are no compromises when it comes to the surface either: The tub made of glazed steel is impact and scratch resistant, does not discolour and remains impeccable even under heavy use; as shown by the extensive use in busy hotel bathrooms and private bathing oases.
Modern Design: Sleek and Safety
A highlight of the Kaldewei Puro Next is its extra-flat tub edge, with a height of only 10 mm. This dimension enhances its elegant appearance. The precise radii and low edge enable seamless integration of the Kaldewei Puro Next into a tiled surface. A generous floor length and the ergonomic back slope with a softly tapered neck area ensure a comfortable lying position. At the same time, the ideal entry height and optional grips make it perfect for use at every stage of life.
The glazed surface creates a refined appearance and also allows the tub to shine again quickly and effortlessly after each bath. Additionally, surface finishes such as Invisible Grip or Antislip can be requested to provide extra slip resistance in the Kaldewei Puro Next bathtub.
The newly updated Puro bathtub series shows the contemporary evolution of one of its most popular product families. With a refined, flat tub edge and a sleek, modern aesthetic, the redesigned Puro combines timeless elegance with exceptional comfort and ease of maintenance. It is engineered to meet the needs of all generations.
Kinedo has launched the newest addition to its portfolio of cuttable shower trays. The stunning Kinediva lives up to its name with its elegant styling and unique lateral water flow design for efficient drainage.
Available in three colours, including beautiful marine blue, beige, and white, and with a stylish matte finish, Kinediva oozes elegance and style. Just 35mm thick, it is available in square and rectangular profiles in 17 popular sizes, ensuring a match for almost every shower space. The colour-coordinated waste has an extra-flat matching waste cover and drains up to 24L/min.
As with other models in the Kinedo tray range, Kinediva is cuttable and in this case, on all four sides, ensuring that awkward spaces can be easily overcome. The flexible, low-level tray can be fitted flush to the floor in a recess, directly placed on the floor for low-threshold entry, or on raised feet when the situation requires it. Designed for all users, the tray offers an anti-slip surface and is not only easy to fit, but also easy to clean and highly durable.
The perfect shower for new build homes and refurbishment projects alike, the Kinediva offers a stunning point of difference for bathrooms.
The new Barbie x HEWI sanitary collection, recently unveiled at ISH Frankfurt, marries timeless Bauhaus design principles with Barbie’s iconic colour palette, creating a series that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. This collection not only sets new standards for bathroom design but also embodies the spirit of independence, inspiration, and appreciation for every person’s uniqueness.
Universal HEWI – Design for Everyone
Universal design has always been at the heart of HEWI’s philosophy. For over 95 years, the company has been crafting products that deliver real value to people. HEWI stands out with premium materials, iconic colours, and simple, intuitive usability. These values shine in the Barbie x HEWI collection—a design made accessible to all, regardless of individual needs or abilities.
Barbie – A Symbol of Optimism and Diversity
Barbie is the most diverse doll line in the world with more than 175 looks, including body types, skin colours, hairstyles, hair colours, eye colours and visible and non-visible disabilities. This diversity is reflected in the Barbie x HEWI collection, honouring the beauty of uniqueness.
Design with limitless possibilities
The Barbie x HEWI collection comprises almost 40 high-quality sanitary products that blend HEWI’s iconic design with Barbie’s unmistakable style. From towel holders and soap dispensers to toilet brush sets and folding support rails, the collection offers thoughtful solutions for design-conscious customers seeking to combine functionality and flair. With a fresh colour palette, HEWI reimagines its legendary 477/801 series, bringing a modern edge and stylish charm to bathroom spaces.
The collection’s products meet the highest standards of quality, durability, and functionality. The colour range spans elegant pale pink to chic combinations of pale pink, white, and black, offering versatile design possibilities for any bathroom.
About Mattel – Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel has been a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
About HEWI Heinrich Wilke GmbH – Since its foundation in 1929, HEWI has developed into a system provider for comprehensive solutions in the areas of architectural hardware, sanitary accessories and accessible products. Over the past 95 years, the company has grown to become a leader in the field of accessibility and a recognised expert in system design. In line with Universal Design, HEWI focuses on the individual needs of people.
In an era where inclusivity and comfort are essential, accessible bathroom designs have evolved to meet the needs of all users, no matter their age or ability. Fitzroy of London, a leading supplier of innovative and accessible bathroom solutions, unveils the latest trends shaping the future of accessible bathroom designs in hotels, hospitality and residential settings. These trends are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, ensuring that every bathroom can be a sanctuary of style, safety and accessibility.
Universal design is a growing trend in bathroom design, and it’s becoming an essential aspect of any modern bathroom. The focus is on creating spaces that are accessible, functional and comfortable for people of all abilities and ages, ensuring that everyone can use the bathroom with ease and dignity. Inclusive design is also no longer solely about functionality; it also takes beauty and aesthetics into consideration, with many designers creating bathrooms that don’t look institutional or sterile.
Stylish grab-rails and supportive accessories
Incorporating stylish grab rails and supportive accessories is another increasingly popular trend in bathroom design. No longer clinical-looking, grab bars are now available in sleek finishes, such as matt black and brushed brass, which instantly complement contemporary interiors and, when not being used for accessibility purposes, can double up as a stylish towel rack. With designers making conscious decisions to incorporate these elements into their designs, bathrooms are becoming more inclusive, safer and visually appealing for all users.
Level-access showers, including zero-thresholds
Level-access showers, including zero-threshold showers, are a key trend in modern bathrooms, offering a barrier-free entry that enhances safety and convenience. Fitzroy of London eliminates steps or raised edges, allows easy wheelchair access, and reduces the risk of tripping. Combining modern aesthetics with functionality, zero-threshold showers create a spacious and seamless look, making them an ideal choice for both accessibility and contemporary bathroom design. Shower seats can be designed to blend seamlessly into the overall design. Non-slip flooring is also imperative for the safety of all users, but particularly those who have difficulty standing.
Contrasting colours & textures
Accessible bathrooms were once merely an afterthought when it came to their style and appearance, with most designers only focusing on their functionality. Whilst this plays an integral role, designers are beginning to prioritise the style and aesthetics of the space too. Whether in a residential, commercial or hospitality environment, bold contrasts and textured elements are known for improving the visual clarity for users with low vision, whilst glossy finishes will help to create depth and interest.
Adjustable & smart features
The rise of adjustable and customisable features in today’s bathrooms will help enhance comfort, independence, and style for all users. Removable grab rails, shower seats and showerheads, height-adjustable worktops, sinks, and mirrors can cater to various mobility needs and bring flexibility to a design space. Smart, hands-free taps and shower controls also offer both functionality and subtle elegance whilst prioritising hygienic practises and inclusivity. With bathroom designs evolving with changing needs, it is possible to maintain a modern and sophisticated aesthetic which works for all.
Fitzroy of London is at the forefront of designing innovative, functional bathrooms for today’s modern world. With expertise in accessible design and multigenerational living solutions, the company creates spaces which are aesthetically pleasing whilst honouring individual needs
